Personal Branding Photography in Naperville and Chicago: Why You Need Professional Photos of Yourself

Here's how I explain branding photography at dinner parties: you see yourself in the corner office? Let's take a picture of you in the corner office.

I'm Emily Cummings, a branding and headshot photographer in downtown Naperville, and personal branding sessions are strategy work disguised as a photo shoot. Here's what they actually do, and why business owners keep telling me these photos paid for themselves.

Branding photos do two jobs

Job one: they help you see yourself where you're going. Most people don't see themselves accurately... we are all our own worst critics. But when you see a photo of yourself looking like the founder, the speaker, the expert? Something shifts. You start showing up as that person, because you've already met her.

Job two: they attract the clients you actually want. Your photos are working 24 hours a day on your website, your LinkedIn, your social media, your speaker bio. The only question is whether they're attracting the right people. We design your session around exactly who you want to reach, so the images do the filtering before you ever get on a call.

What a branding session includes

Every session starts with a real consultation: your goals, your brand, the clients you want, the rooms you want to be in. Then we plan wardrobe, locations, and a shot list that covers everything you'll need... website banners, social content, press photos, speaking submissions.

We shoot at my downtown Naperville studio, on location around town, or in downtown Chicago. Hair and makeup is included for women, because confidence photographs better than anything you can wear.

And headshot and branding sessions include a same-day reveal, so you leave having already seen your gallery.

Frequently asked questions

How is branding photography different from a headshot?

A headshot is one great photo of your face. A branding session is a full library: working shots, detail shots, personality shots, and the photo for the article someone will write about you someday.

How many branding images do I need?

Most clients use somewhere between 7 and 30 depending on how much content they publish. We'll land on the right number at your consultation.

How often should I update my branding photos?

Every year or two, or after any big change: a rebrand, a new offer, a new haircut you actually love.

I hate being in front of the camera. Will this be miserable?

You'll hate it for five minutes, tolerate it for ten, and then I'll catch you having fun. I direct every frame. I got you.

If you're done being the best-kept secret in your industry, let's talk. Call or text 312.600.5151 or email emily@emilycummingsphotography.com. Studio 25, 25 W. Jefferson Ave, downtown Naperville... and yes, we happily travel into Chicago.